Faucet including passive and active sensing

ABSTRACT

A fluid delivery apparatus includes a spout, an active sensor, and a passive sensor. The active sensor is configured to detect the presence of a user adjacent the spout when enabled. The passive sensor is configured to define a sensing field in an area near the spout and also to detect a presence of a user. A controller is coupled to the passive sensor and the active sensor. The controller is programmed to detect the presence of a user in the sensing field based on an output signal from the active sensor in response to detecting the presence of the user in the sensing field with the passive sensor, thereby reducing the amount of power used by the active sensor.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/985,161, filed May 21, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/776,559, filed Sep. 14, 2015, now U.S.Pat. No. 9,976,291, which is a U.S. National Phase Patent Applicationbased on International Application No. PCT/US2014/022283, filed Mar. 10,2014, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 61/791,489, filed Mar. 15, 2013, the disclosures of which areexpressly incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to improvements in the placement ofsensors for touch and hands free activation of faucets. Moreparticularly, the present disclosure relates to the placement ofmultiple sensors (such as capacitive and ultrasonic sensors) in oradjacent to faucet spouts, faucet handles, pull out wands and/or sinkbasins to sense the presence of users of the faucet and then to controlthe faucet based on output signals from the sensors.

In an illustrated embodiment of the present disclosure, a fluid deliveryapparatus includes a spout, a normally disabled active (e.g., ultrasonicor light based) sensor located adjacent the spout, and a passive (e.g.,capacitive) sensor configured to define a sensing field in an area nearthe spout to detect a presence of a user. The active sensor isconfigured to detect the presence of a user adjacent the spout whenenabled. The apparatus also includes a controller coupled to the passivesensor and the active sensor. The controller is programmed to detect thepresence of a user in the sensing field based on an output signal fromthe passive sensor. The controller is also programmed to enable theactive sensor in response to detecting the presence of the user in thesensing field with the passive sensor, thereby reducing the amount ofpower used by the active sensor.

In one illustrated embodiment, the controller causes fluid flow throughthe spout upon detection of the user in the sensing field. In anotherillustrated embodiment, the controller causes fluid flow through thespout upon detection of the user by the enabled active sensor.

In another illustrated embodiment of the present disclosure, a methodincludes providing a spout, a normally disabled active (e.g., ultrasonicor light based) sensor adjacent the spout, a passive (e.g., capacitive)sensor adjacent the spout, and a controller coupled to the passivesensor and the active sensor. The method also includes detectingpresence of a user in a sensing field near the spout based on an outputfrom the passive sensor, enabling the active sensor in response todetecting the presence of the user in the sensing field with the passivesensor, and detecting the presence of the user adjacent the spout withthe enabled active sensor.

In one illustrated embodiment, the method further includes causing fluidflow through the spout upon detection of the user in the sensing field.In another illustrated embodiment, the method further includes causingfluid flow through the spout upon detection of the user by the enabledactive sensor.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the followingdetailed description of the illustrative embodiment exemplifying thebest mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description of the drawings particularly refers to theaccompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a fluid delivery assembly including asensor system;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a plurality of capacitive sensorslocated on a spout, manual valve handle, and pullout wand of anelectronic faucet and an ultrasonic sensor located on the pullout wand;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram further illustrating the capacitive andultrasonic sensors and a controller coupled to a battery power supply;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating steps performed by the controller tocontrol fluid flow based on outputs from the capacitive and ultrasonicsensors; and

FIGS. 5-7 are area state diagrams illustrating control of an electronicfaucet having both ultrasonic and capacitive sensors.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to certain illustrated embodimentsand specific language will be used to describe the same. It willnevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of theinvention is thereby intended. Such alterations and furthermodifications of the invention, and such further applications of theprinciples of the invention as described herein as would normally occurto one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains, arecontemplated, and desired to be protected.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a sensingfaucet system 10 of the present disclosure. The system 10 includes asink basin 16, a spout 12 for delivering water into the basin 16 and atleast one manual valve handle 17 for controlling the flow of waterthrough the spout 12 in a manual mode. A hot water source 19 and coldwater source 21 are coupled to a valve body assembly 23. In oneillustrated embodiment, separate manual valve handles 17 are providedfor the hot and cold water sources 19, 21. In other embodiments, such asa kitchen embodiment, a single manual valve handle 17 is used for bothhot and cold water delivery. In such kitchen embodiment, the manualvalve handle 17 and spout 12 are typically coupled to the basin 16through a single hole mount. An output of valve body assembly 23 iscoupled to an actuator driven valve 25 which is controlledelectronically by input signals from a controller 26. In an illustrativeembodiment, actuator driven valve 25 is an electrically operable valve,such as a magnetically latching pilot-controlled solenoid valve.

In an alternative embodiment, the hot water source 19 and cold watersource 21 are connected directly to actuator driven valve 25 to providea fully automatic faucet without any manual controls. In yet anotherembodiment, the controller 26 controls an electronic proportioning valve(not shown) to supply water for the spout 12 from hot and cold watersources 19, 21.

Because the actuator driven valve 25 is controlled electronically bycontroller 26, flow of water can be controlled using outputs fromsensors as discussed herein. As shown in FIG. 1, when the actuatordriven valve 25 is open, the faucet system may be operated in aconventional manner, i.e., in a manual control mode through operation ofthe handle(s) 17 and the manual valve member of valve body assembly 23.Conversely, when the manually controlled valve body assembly 23 is setto select a water temperature and flow rate, the actuator driven valve25 can be touch controlled, or activated by proximity sensors when anobject (such as a user's hands) are within a detection zone to togglewater flow on and off.

In an illustrative embodiment, spout 12 has both a low power, passivesensor (e.g., a capacitive sensor 29) and a high power, active sensor(e.g., an ultrasonic sensor 33) connected to controller 26. As furtherdetailed herein, the active sensor may comprise any suitable device forsensing an object adjacent thereto, such as ultrasonic sensor 33 and/oran optical or light based sensor. In one illustrated embodiment shown inFIG. 2, a low power, passive sensor (e.g., a capacitive sensor 52) andthe ultrasonic sensor 33 are located on a pullout wand 50 coupled to thespout 12. Additionally, in another illustrative embodiment the manualvalve handle(s) 17 also have low power, passive sensor(s) (e.g.,capacitive sensor(s) 31) mounted thereon which are electrically coupledto controller 26.

In illustrative embodiments of the present invention, low power, passivesensors (e.g., capacitive sensors 41) are also coupled to the sink basin16. In illustrated embodiments of the present invention, capacitivesensors 29, 31, 41 and 52 are placed on an exterior wall of the spout12, handle 17, basin 16, or pullout wand 50, respectively, or embeddedin the wall of the spout 12, handle 17, basin 16, or pullout wand 50,respectively. Output signals from the capacitive sensors 29, 31, 41 and52 are also coupled to controller 26. The output signals from capacitivesensors 29, 31, 41 and 52 are therefore used to control actuator drivenvalve 25 which thereby controls flow of water to the spout 12 from thehot and cold water sources 19 and 21. Capacitive sensors 41 are used todetermine how much water is in the basin 16 to shut off the flow ofwater when the basin 16 reaches a pre-determined fill level.

In one illustrated embodiment, each sensor 29, 31, 41, 52 includes anelectrode which is directly connected to a capacitive sensor. In otherembodiments, certain capacitive sensor electrodes 29, 31, 41 and 42 arecapacitively coupled to the controller without a direct wiredconnection. By sensing capacitance changes with capacitive sensors 29,31, 41 and 52, controller 26 makes logical decisions to controldifferent modes of operation of system 10 such as changing between amanual mode of operation and a hands free mode of operation as describedin U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,690,395; 7,150,293; 7,997,301; 7,631,372; and8,944,105, the disclosures of which are all expressly incorporatedherein by reference. Another illustrated configuration for a proximitydetector and logical control for the faucet in response to the proximitydetector is described in greater detail in U.S. Pat. No. 7,232,111,which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The amount of fluid from hot water source 19 and cold water source 21 isdetermined based on one or more user inputs, such as desired fluidtemperature, desired fluid flow rate, and desired fluid volume. Asdiscussed above, the system 10 may also include electronicallycontrolled mixing valve which is in fluid communication with both hotwater source 19 and cold water source 21. Exemplary electronicallycontrolled mixing valves are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,458,520, andPCT Published Patent Application No. WO 2007/082301, the disclosures ofwhich are expressly incorporated by reference herein.

By taking capacitive measurements at sampling intervals using one ormore sensor electrodes 29, 31, 41, 52 on the spout 12, sink basin 16,handles 17 and pullout wand 50 as discussed herein, the controller 26 isprogrammed with software to make intelligent decisions about the faucetenvironment. In addition, the software can combine the informationdetermined from the capacitance measurements with information regardingthe state of water flow (such as on or off) to make better decisionsregarding when and when not to make adjustments to the activation anddeactivation thresholds. By examining the stability of capacitancereadings during a water flowing state, the controller 26 can determineif hands are in or out of the water stream.

An illustrated capacitive sensor 29 which may be incorporated into thespout 12 of the faucet assembly is taught by U.S. Pat. No. 6,962,168,the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.In certain illustrative embodiments, the same mode selector can be usedto return the faucet assembly from hands-free mode to manual mode. Incertain of these illustrative embodiments, as detailed herein, atouch-sensor 31 is also incorporated into the handle(s) 17. In suchillustrative embodiments, the two touch controls can either operateindependently (i.e. mode can be changed by touching either one of thetouch controls), or together, so that the mode is changed only when bothtouch controls are simultaneously touched.

It is understood that other types of sensors may be used in accordancewith the presence invention for instance, QPROX™ sensors from QuantumResearch Group, Oblamatik sensors, or other types of capacitive sensorsfrom other manufacturers such as Analog Devices AD7142 chip. In oneillustrated embodiment, capacitive sensors such as a PSoC CapSensecontroller available from Cypress Semiconductor Corporation may be usedas capacitance sensors described herein. The Cypress sensorillustratively includes a microprocessor with programmable inputs andoutputs that can be configured as sensors. This allows the capacitancesensors to be included in the same electrical or component or circuitboard as the microprocessor, making the sensor cost-effective and lowpower. The relaxation oscillator finds a natural frequency of the faucetand sensors probes. As objects containing capacitive properties approachthe faucet (such as human hands), natural frequency of the oscillatorchanges based on total capacitance sensed by the circuit. At a giventhreshold level, a valve 25 is actuated to turn on the water asdiscussed herein. When the user's hands are removed, the water is turnedoff by shutting off valve 25. An example of the Cypress capacitancesensor using relaxation oscillators is described in U.S. Pat. No.7,307,485, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

As discussed above, various combinations of capacitive proximity sensorsand/or capacitive touch sensors 29, 31, 41, 52 and/or ultrasonic sensors33 can be used in the spout 12, manual valve handle(s) 17, and sinkbasin 16. The controller 26 may shift between various modes of operationdepending upon outputs from the sensors 29, 31, 41, 52, 33.

In another embodiment, at least one of the capacitive sensor(s) 29, 31,41, 52 is used to detect a person approaching the sink basin 16. Whenthe controller 26 senses a user approaching the sink basin 16 due tochanges in capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor(s) 29, 31, 41,52, controller 26 enables the ultrasonic sensor 33, such as by turningon the power to the ultrasonic sensor 33 or awaking the sensor 33 from asleep mode. Controller 26 also supplies the power to indicator lights,night lights, etc. (not shown) located on or adjacent sink basin 16 whena user approaches the sink basin 16. By powering up the ultrasonicsensor 33, as well as indicator lights, night lights, etc., when a userapproaches the sink basin 16, the present invention reduces the amountof power used by the ultrasonic sensor 33, indicator lights, and nightlights. Therefore, the ultrasonic sensor 33, indicator lights, and nightlights may be powered by a battery 68. Once the user exits the regionadjacent the sink basin 16 as sensed by the capacitive sensor(s), thecontroller 26 returns the ultrasonic sensor 33, indicator lights, nightlights, etc. to a low power or sleep mode to conserve battery life.

Additional details of an illustrated embodiment of the presentdisclosure is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. As discussed above, the capacitivesensors 29, 31, 41, 52 on the spout 12, manual valve handle 17, sinkbasin 16 or pullout wand 50 include electrodes 60 and capacitive sensingcircuitry 62 coupled to controller 26. The ultrasonic sensor 33 includesa transducer 64 and ultrasonic sensor circuitry 66 coupled to thecontroller 26. A battery 68 provides power to the controller 26 and thecapacitive and ultrasonic sensor circuitry 62 and 66, respectively. Theultrasonic sensor 33 (high power, active sensor) requires relativelymore power to operate than the capacitive sensors 29, 31, 41 and 52 (lowpower, passive sensors). Therefore, as discussed above, the controller26 selectively enables and disables the ultrasonic sensor 33 based onoutputs from at least one of the capacitive sensors 29, 31,41 and/or 52.

Other suitable sensors may be substituted for the ultrasonic sensor 33to define the active sensor. For example, the active sensor 33 maycomprise an optical or light based sensor, such as a light based rangingsensor and/or a light based imaging sensor. In one illustrativeembodiment, the light based sensor may include an active light source,such as an infrared light source (i.e., emitter) and an infrared lightreceiver. In another illustrative embodiment, the light based sensor mayinclude an alternative active light source, such as a laser light source(i.e., emitter) and a laser light receiver. Certain illustrative activelight source sensor embodiments may define a time of flight sensor thatmeasures the distance between the light source and an object based onthe time difference between the emission of the light and its return tothe receiver. In yet another illustrative embodiment, the light basedsensor may include a passive light sensor, such as video camera.

As shown in FIG. 4, the method starts at block 70. The capacitivesensors 29, 31, 41, 52 are enabled or on as illustrated at block 72. Theultrasonic sensor is off, disabled or in sleep mode, as illustrated atblock 74. The controller 26 and capacitive sensor circuitry 62 determinewhether one of the capacitive sensors 29, 31, 41 and/or 52 detects auser near electronic faucet 10 as illustrated at block 76. Controller 26determines proximity of a user to the electronic faucet 10, whichcomponent of the electronic faucet 10 is touched and for how long basedon the output signals from capacitive sensors 29, 31, 41, 52. If no useris detected at block 76, the controller 26 returns to block 70. If auser is detected at block 76, controller 26 enables the ultrasonicsensor 33 as illustrated at block 78.

Controller 26 and ultrasonic sensor circuitry 66 then determine whetherthe ultrasonic sensor 33 detects a user in proximity of the electronicfaucet 10 as illustrated at block 80. If a user is detected at block 80,controller 26 turns on the fluid supply by controlling a valve asdiscussed above. If the user is not detected at block 80, the fluid flowis turned off or remains off and is illustrated at block 84. Controller26 then determines whether a time out has occurred at block 86. If not,the ultrasonic sensor remains enabled to monitor for a user in theproximity of the electronic faucet 10 at blocks 78 and 80. If a time outhas occurred at block 86, controller 26 returns to block 70 and disablesthe ultrasonic sensor off at block 74 to save power.

State Diagrams

A more detailed diagram of flow control according to another embodimentof the present disclosure is illustrated in FIGS. 5-7. With reference toFIGS. 5-7, an illustrative operation of the faucet includes fivedifferent operating states, identified as states A-E. Each operatingstate includes two conditions, including (1) position of theelectrically operable valve 25 (e.g., “Water ON” when the valve is in anopen position, and “Water OFF” when the valve is in a closed position),and (2) the condition of the ultrasonic sensor (e.g., “Ultrasonic ON”when power is supplied to the ultrasonic sensor 33 and it is enabled tomonitor a detection zone, and “Ultrasonic OFF” when no power is suppliedto the ultrasonic sensor 33 or the ultrasonic sensor 33 is otherwisedisabled).

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in illustrative state A the electricallyoperable valve 25 is closed and, as such, no water flows through thefaucet (i.e., “Water OFF”). Also in state A, no power is provided to theultrasonic sensor 33 (i.e., “Ultrasonic OFF”). State B is identifiedwhen the electrically operable valve 25 is opened (i.e., “Water ON”),and when no power is provided to the ultrasonic sensor 33 (i.e.,“Ultrasonic OFF”). State C is identified when the electrically operablevalve 25 is closed (i.e., “Water OFF”), and when power is provided tothe ultrasonic sensor 33 such that it is monitoring a detection zone(i.e., “Ultrasonic ON”). State D is identified when the electricallyoperable valve 25 is opened (i.e., “Water ON”), and when power isprovided to the ultrasonic sensor 33 (i.e., “Ultrasonic ON”). Finally,state E is identified when the electrically operable valve 25 is closed(i.e., “Water OFF”), and when power is provided to the ultrasonic sensor33 (i.e., “Ultrasonic ON”).

With reference now to FIGS. 5 and 7, an illustrative operation may beginat state A with the conditions of “Water OFF” and “Ultrasonic OFF”.Various input signals from the body capacitive sensor 29, 31 coupled tothe faucet body (e.g., delivery spout and handle) may cause the systemto change states. If no input is received from the body capacitivesensor 29, 31, the state remains unchanged in state A. If a tap(identified herein as being a touch of less than about 300 milliseconds)is detected by the body capacitive sensor 29, 31, then the state changesto state B. If the body capacitive sensor 29, 31 detects a handle grab(identified herein as being a strong signal (i.e., handle touch) ofgreater than or equal to 300 milliseconds), then the system changes tostate B. As such, the electrically operable valve 25 is opened and waterflows therethrough (i.e., “Water ON”), while the ultrasonic sensor 33remains off (i.e., “Ultrasonic OFF”). By detecting a tap or a handlegrab, the controller 26 assumes that a user desires to operate thefaucet in a touch mode.

With further reference to state A of FIGS. 5 and 7, if a spout grab isdetected (identified herein as being a weak signal (i.e., spout touch)of greater than or equal to 300 ml seconds), the system remainsunchanged in state A. The controller 26 assumes that the spout grab is aresult of the user repositioning the swivel spout 12 and not a requestto initiate water flow or activate the ultrasonic sensor 33. If noproximity signal (identified herein as having a strength less than atouch signal) is detected by the body capacitive sensor 29, 31, then thesystem remains unchanged in state A. If a proximity signal is detectedby the body capacitive sensor 29, 31, then the system changes to stateC. More particularly, the electrically operable valve 25 remains closed(i.e., “Water OFF”), but the ultrasonic sensor 33 is activated (i.e.,“Ultrasonic ON”). As the user enters the outer proximity sensing zone,without touching the faucet, the controller 26 activates the ultrasonicsensor 33 for monitoring the ultrasonic sensing zone.

In state A, the ultrasonic sensor 33 is deactivated or off, such that nosignals are received therefrom. As such, the controller 26 takes noaction in response to the ultrasonic sensor 33.

The system in state A may also receive signals from the sprayercapacitive sensor 52. The sprayer capacitive sensor 52 may provide agrab signal to the controller 26 (again defined as a touch having aduration of greater than or equal to 300 milliseconds), wherein thestate remains unchanged. The lack of a grab signal by the sprayercapacitive sensor 52 will have no impact on the state condition.

With further reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, state B illustratively providesthat the electrically operable valve 25 is opened and, as such, waterflows through the faucet (i.e., “Water ON”), and that no power isprovided to the ultrasonic sensor 33 (i.e., “Ultrasonic OFF”). It shouldbe noted that this state may be considered a touch operated mode as itis entered by touch input, more particularly by tap input or handle grabinput to the body capacitive sensor. State B may be modified throughinput to the body capacitive sensor 29, 31. More particularly, no inputto the body capacitive sensor 29, 31 will cause the system to remain instate B. A tap input to the body capacitive sensor 29, 31 will cause thesystem to change to state A, by turning off water flow. Since water isflowing in state B, a time out feature is provided, wherein a timer willcause the controller to return the system to state A, by closing theelectrically operable valve 25, after a predetermined time period haselapsed.

A spout grab input to the body capacitive sensor 29, 31 will result inthe system remaining in state B. Similarly, a handle grab will cause thesystem to remain in state B. The controller assumes that the spout grabis an indication that the user is swiveling the spout, and that thehandle grab is an indication that the user is adjusting manual flow rateand/or water temperature, rather than the user desiring a change inoperational state. No proximity signal to the body capacitive sensorwill cause the system to remain in state B. A proximity input to thecapacitive body capacitive sensor 29, 31 will likewise cause the systemto remain in state B.

Since the ultrasonic sensor 33 is inactive in state B, inputs from theultrasonic sensor 33 are not relevant. Likewise, signals from thesprayhead are not applicable.

Turning now to state C, the electrically operable valve 25 is closed sothat no water flows (i.e., “Water OFF”) and the ultrasonic sensor 33 isactivated (i.e., “Ultrasonic ON”). In state C, signals from the bodycapacitive sensor 29, 31, the ultrasonic sensor 33, and the sprayercapacitive sensor 52 may all change the state of the faucet. If no inputis received from the body capacitive sensor 29, 31, the system remainsin state C. If a tap input is received from the body capacitive sensor29, 31, the system enters state B, where water is on and the ultrasonicsensor is off. Similarly, if a handle grab is detected by the bodycapacitive sensor 29, 31, then the system enters state B. As such,faucet operation is no longer controlled by the ultrasonic sensor 33 butthough input to the body capacitive sensor 29, 31. If a spout grab isdetected by the body capacitive sensor 29, 31, the system remains instate C. During a spout grab, it is anticipated that the user isrotating the spout to a desired position within the sink basin and notrequesting a change in operational state. If no proximity is detected bythe body capacitive sensor 29, 31, then the system returns to state A toconserve power for the ultrasonic sensor. In other words, if a user isnot within the proximity sensing zone of the faucet as detected by thebody capacitive sensor 29, 31, then there is no need for the ultrasonicsensor 33 to be active. If the body capacitive sensor 29, 31 detects aproximity signal, then the system remains in state C.

In state C, the ultrasonic sensor 33 is active and, as such, signalstherefrom may impact the operational state. If no object is detected bythe ultrasonic sensor 33, the system remains in state C. If an object isdetected, then the system again remains in state C. Similarly, if nomotion is detected by the ultrasonic sensor 33, then the system remainsin state C. In other words, water remains off, and the ultrasonic sensor33 continues to monitor a detection zone. This prevents water from beingturned on when the ultrasonic sensor 33 detects static objects (e.g.,dishes) within the sink basin. If motion or a moving object is detectedby the ultrasonic sensor 33 within the detection zone, the systemtransitions to state D. As such, water is on and the ultrasonic sensor33 is on. In this situation, it is envisioned that a user is moving hisor her hands in proximity to the ultrasonic sensor 33 and desires waterflow.

The system in state C may also receive signals from the sprayercapacitive sensor The sprayer capacitive sensor 52 may provide a grabsignal to the controller, wherein the system transitions to state A,thereby stopping water flow and deactivating the ultrasonic sensor 33.This will prevent undesired water flow or false activations when a usergrabs the sprayhead, presumably to undock it from the delivery spout.The lack of a grab signal by the sprayer capacitive sensor 52 will haveno impact on the state condition.

In state D, the electrically operable valve is opened so that waterflows (i.e., “Water ON”) and the ultrasonic sensor 33 is activated(i.e., “Ultrasonic ON”). In state D, signals from the body capacitivesensor 29, 31, the ultrasonic sensor 33, and the sprayer capacitivesensor 52 may all change the state of the faucet. No input to the bodycapacitive sensor 29, 31 will cause the system to remain in state D.Either a spout grab or a handle grab detected by the body capacitivesensor 29, 31 causes the system to remain in state D. In other words,water will remain flowing and the ultrasonic sensor 33 will remainactive. The controller 26 assumes that the spout grab is an indicationthat the user is swiveling the spout, and that the handle grab is anindication that the user is adjusting manual flow rate and/or watertemperature, rather than the user desiring a change in operationalstate. A tap input to the body capacitive sensor 29, 31 will cause thesystem to transition to state E where water is deactivated and theultrasonic sensor 33 remains active. No proximity input to the bodycapacitive sensor 29, 31 will result in the system transitioning tostate A where the water is off and the ultrasonic sensor 33 is off.

Ultrasonic signals may also transition the system from state D. Moreparticularly, if no object is detected by the ultrasonic sensor 33, thesystem transitions to state C where the water is off and ultrasonicsensor 33 is active. Similarly, if no motion is detected by theultrasonic sensor 33 then the system transitions to state C. If anobject is detected or motion is detected by the ultrasonic sensor 33,then the system remains in state D. Finally an ultrasonic sensor 33 timeout is provided, wherein the system will transition to state E, wherewater is deactivated and the ultrasonic sensor 33 remains active,following a predetermined time lapse.

Sprayer signals may also transition the system from state D. Moreparticularly, a grab detected by the sprayer capacitive sensor 52 causethe system to transition to state E, where water is deactivated and theultrasonic sensor 33 remains active. This deactivated water flowprevents undesired water dispensing as the sprayhead is removed from thespout (as detected by a spray grab). No grab detected by the sprayercapacitive sensor 52 will cause the system to remain in state D.

In state E, the electrically operable valve is closed so that no waterflows (i.e., “Water OFF”) and the ultrasonic sensor 33 is activated(i.e., “Ultrasonic ON”). In state E, input signals from the bodycapacitive sensor 29, 31, the ultrasonic sensor 33, and the sprayercapacitive sensor 52 may again alter the operational state of thesystem. More particularly, no input to the body capacitive sensor 29, 31will cause the system to remain in state E. Similarly, a spout grabdetected by the body capacitive sensor 29, 31 or a proximity signaldetected by the body capacitive sensor will cause the system to remainin state E. A tap detected by the body capacitive sensor 29, 31 or ahandle grab detected by the body capacitive sensor 29, 31 will cause thesystem to transition to state B, where water is on and ultrasonic sensor33 is off. No proximity signal detected by the body capacity sensor 29,31 will cause the system to transition to state A.

Since the ultrasonic sensor 33 is active in state E, signals from thesensor may be provided to the controller and influence the operation alstate. If no object is detected by the ultrasonic sensor 33, the systemtransitions to state C, where water is off and the ultrasonic sensor 33is on. If an object is detected, the system remains in state E.Similarly, if motion or no motion is detected, then the system remainsin state E.

Finally, a grab detected by the sprayer capacitive sensor 52 causes thesystem transition to state A, while no grab detected by the sprayercapacitive sensor 52 causes the system to remain in state E. Again, thisprevents potential false activation of water flow by ultrasonic sensorshould the sprayhead be grabbed presumably for removal from the spout.

In a further illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, theultrasonic sensor 33 may provide for an automatic container fillfeature. As further detailed herein, the ultrasonic sensor is supportedby the pullout sprayhead and provides a time of flight sensing waveextending downwardly. The ultrasonic sensor 33 is configured to detectthe relative position of the glass rim and an interior surface withinthe glass. When the glass is empty, this interior surface is the base orbottom of the glass. As the glass is filled, this surface detected bythe ultrasonic sensor rises. As such, the relative distance between theglass rim and the interior surface changes. As the relative distancefalls below a certain threshold, the controller deactivates theelectrically operable valve, stopping water flow. As such, thecontroller may work with the ultrasonic sensor to fill the glass to apredetermined level below the glass rim.

Variable Flow Rate Based on Distance of an Object

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the faucet 10 thatprovides a method to control faucet water flow rate and also to preventunwanted water spray caused from holding an object too close to thefaucet spout. Through the use of the one of the plurality of capacitivesensors 29, 31, 41, 52 or the ultrasonic sensor 33, objects near thesink basin 16 or spout 12 are detected. Upon detection of such object,water flow from the faucet is activated.

A secondary measurement is also performed by the ultrasonic sensor 33 tomeasure the object's distance from the ultrasonic sensor 33 on the spout12. Since the sensor 33 is mounted in the faucet spout 12 or pulloutwand 50, it may be determined how close an object is to the spout 12.Once the distance is known, controller 26 adjusts water flow,illustratively through an electronic proportioning valve. At fartherdistances, the water flow is set to greater levels, and at closerdistances, the water flow is set to lower values.

The signal from the ultrasonic sensor transducer 64 is filtered andamplified by an electronic circuitry 66. Software within the controller26 computes the distance to detected objects. The software then decidesthe water flow rate based on the distance measurements. Controller 26then drives the electronic proportioning valve to the correct positionand desired flow rate.

The disclosures of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0108165;U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0170570; U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2007/0157978; U.S. Pat. No. 6,962,168; U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0276911 and U.S. Pat. No.8,939,429, are all expressly incorporated by reference herein.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference tocertain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist withinthe spirit and scope of the invention as described and defined in thefollowing claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A fluid delivery apparatus comprising: aspout; a normally disabled light based sensor located adjacent thespout, the light based sensor being configured to detect the presence ofa user adjacent the spout when enabled; a capacitive sensor configuredto define a capacitive sensing field in an area near the spout to detecta presence of a user; and a controller coupled to the capacitive sensorand the light based sensor, the controller being programmed to detectthe presence of a user in the capacitive sensing field based on anoutput signal from the capacitive sensor, the controller also beingprogrammed to enable the light based sensor in response to detecting thepresence of the user in the capacitive sensing field with the capacitivesensor, thereby reducing the amount of power used by the light basedsensor.
 2. The fluid delivery apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lightbased sensor comprises a ranging sensor.
 3. The fluid delivery apparatusof claim 1, wherein the light based sensor includes an infrared lightsource or a laser light source.
 4. The fluid delivery apparatus of claim1, wherein the light based sensor comprises an imaging sensor.
 5. Thefluid delivery apparatus of claim 4, wherein the light based sensorincludes a video camera.
 6. The fluid delivery apparatus of claim 1,further comprising an electrically operable valve coupled to thecontroller, wherein the controller controls operation of theelectrically operable valve to cause fluid flow through the electricallyoperable valve upon detection of the user in the capacitive sensingfield.
 7. The fluid delivery apparatus of claim 1, further comprising anelectrically operable valve coupled to the controller, wherein thecontroller controls operation of the electrically operable valve tocause fluid flow through the spout upon detection of the user by theenabled light based sensor.
 8. The fluid delivery apparatus of claim 1,wherein the controller also turns on an indicator in response todetecting the presence of the user in the capacitive sensing field withthe capacitive sensor.
 9. The fluid delivery apparatus of claim 1,wherein the controller, the light based sensor and the capacitive sensorare powered by a battery.
 10. The fluid delivery apparatus of claim 1,wherein the controller disables the light based sensor to conservebattery life when the controller detects that the user has moved outaway from the spout.
 11. The fluid delivery apparatus of claim 1,wherein the light based sensor determines a distance of the user fromthe spout, the controller decreasing a rate of fluid flow from the spoutas the user gets closer to the spout.
 12. The fluid delivery apparatusof claim 1, wherein the controller is programmed to detect a relativeposition of a rim of a glass located adjacent the spout and an interiorsurface within the glass based on an output signal from the light basedsensor, the controller being programmed to deactivate an electricallyoperable valve to stop water flow when the glass is filled to apredetermined level below the glass rim.
 13. A fluid delivery apparatuscomprising: a water outlet; a normally disabled light based sensorconfigured to detect the presence of a user adjacent the water outletwhen enabled; a capacitive sensor configured to define a capacitivesensing field in an area near the water outlet to detect the presence ofa user; a controller coupled to the light based sensor and thecapacitive sensor, the controller being configured to detect thepresence of a user in the capacitive sensing field based on an outputsignal from the capacitive sensor, the controller also being configuredto enable the light based sensor in response to detecting the presenceof the user in the capacitive sensing field with the capacitive sensor;and an electrically operable valve coupled to the controller andconfigured to control water flow to the water outlet, the electricallyoperable valve being open when the controller enables the light basedsensor and the controller detects the presence of the user adjacent thewater outlet with the enabled light based sensor.
 14. The fluid deliveryapparatus of claim 13, wherein the light based sensor comprises aranging sensor.
 15. The fluid delivery apparatus of claim 13, whereinthe light based sensor includes an infrared light source or a laserlight source.
 16. The fluid delivery apparatus of claim 13, wherein thelight based sensor comprises an imaging sensor.
 17. The fluid deliveryapparatus of claim 16, wherein the light based sensor includes a videocamera.
 18. The fluid delivery apparatus of claim 13, further comprisinga spout defining the water outlet, wherein the light based sensor andthe capacitive sensor are supported by the spout.
 19. The fluid deliveryapparatus of claim 13, wherein the controller, the light based sensorand the capacitive sensor are powered by a battery.
 20. The fluiddelivery apparatus of claim 13, wherein the controller disables thelight based sensor to conserve battery life when the controller detectsthat the user has moved away from the water outlet and out of thecapacitive sensing field of the capacitive sensor.
 21. The fluiddelivery apparatus of claim 13, wherein the light based sensordetermines a distance of the user from the water outlet, the controllerdecreasing a rate of fluid flow from the water outlet as the user getscloser to the water outlet.
 22. The fluid delivery apparatus of claim13, wherein the controller is programmed to detect a relative positionof a rim of a glass located adjacent the water outlet and an interiorsurface within the glass based on an output signal from the light basedsensor, the controller being programmed to deactivate the electricallyoperable valve to stop water flow when the glass is filled to apredetermined level below the glass rim.